Amal Abou-Eid
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Interview 
What book(s) have you written?
- My Muslim Mate
- Why Does Mum Wear A Hijab?
- Tayta Remembers
- Ramadan Rules
- Jeddo's Suitcase
When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
I've always wanted to write a book which documented my family's history. As a lover of History, writing about my heritage felt very important to me from a very young age.
How long did it take you to write your book(s)?
On average one year. Some took longer than others. I'm a mother, so my time and energy is mostly spent on being present with and for my children. Writing is a hobby which I hope to make more of a profession one day, Insha'Allah
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I don't stick to a schedule. I write if and when I can. This mostly happens at night when my boys are asleep and the house is quiet.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I write about my cultural heritage and my faith. It provides insights otherwise unavailable.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Seeing the need for more representation in children's books. As a mother, I wanted my boys to have access to books they could see themselves and their families in. I couldn't find the books I wanted to read to my children, so I wrote them myself.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Spend time with my family. I love cooking and baking for them, too. It helps keep me grounded.
What does your family think of your writing?
My boys are very proud of my work which makes me very happy. They love taking my books to school and sharing them with their classmates. Jeddo (my grandfather) often praises my work. He often tells me how much he would have loved to write stories and poetry but never had the opportunity. I owe so much to him.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That people actually read them! People are moved by them and find value in them. People often tell me how much they love them and how important they are. Truly grateful Alhamdulilah
Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Keep writing. Invest in writing courses. Take advice from fellow writers and have fun on your writing journey.
What do you think makes a good story?
Connection. The moment you connect to a story, is the moment you will feel a sense of belonging or representation. These feelings often last even if we don't remember the whole story, we remember they way we feel/felt when we read it.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be an actress, then I wanted to be a photographer.
What is your favorite book?
The Outsiders by S.E Hinton
Where do you live?
Melbourne, Australia
Fun Facts
Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!
- My favourite movie is The Wizard of Oz
- I love baking Lebanese sweets and food.
- I went bungee jumping in New Zealand.
- I have 3 sons expecting another in 2022 Insha'Allah
- I once won $25 in a competition
- When I finished high school, I did an advanced diploma in Marketing.
- I was a high school teacher before becoming an author.
- My favourite genre is Fantasy
- I've talked about my books on TV, radio and in newspaper articles.
- I hope to write many more books in the future Insha'Allah about my culture and faith.
